The policy promotes sustainable development, conservation, and land and resource management. It seeks to provide assistance to those managing land use change, enable greater consistency between the two local governments, give clear regional-level advice to proponents of development, and provide a reference to guide development and
conservation by improving the information available to the community.

The objectives of the policy are to:

• conserve and enhance the special benefits arising from landscape elements that form the fabric of the region;
• respect and conserve its outstanding natural and cultural heritage and environmental values;
• cater for population growth consistent with the objectives of the policy and provide a range of settlement options located to enhance the economic, social and environmental functions, while
promoting quality and innovation in urban design and built form;
• protect agricultural land for its economic, landscape, tourism and social values;
• encourage a mix of compatible land uses while separating conflicting land uses;
• facilitate a robust, diverse and sustainable economy; and
• foster a sense of community and creativity;

for the benefit of all residents and visitors and for future generations.